It can mean the fact or quality of being different, divergent, or inconsistent. It can also mean a difference between what the prosecution has charged with and what it has proved against a criminal defendant.

It is a legal action which is brought, regardless of its merits, solely to harass or subdue an adversary. It may take the form of a primary frivolous lawsuit or may be the repetitive, burdensome, and unwarranted filing of meritless motions in a matter which is otherwise a meritorious cause of action.

It means the liability of the principal which has arisen on account of default or negligent act of his agent or servant. Thus, an employer of an employee who injures someone through negligence while in the scope of employment (doing work for the employer) is vicariously liable for damages to the injured person.